2 Bedroom Detached Bungalow, Queensway, Lawford, CO11

Key Features

• A delightful detached bungalow in an elevated position providing far reaching views over the Stour Estuary towards the Suffolk coastline
• Walking distance to Manningtree's train station and to the High Street
• Six solar panels operating on a feed-in tariff
• Low maintenance rear garden with a Southerly aspect
• Fully double glazed and gas central heating
• No through road

Property Details

• Property type: Bungalow
• Price Per Sq Foot: £512
• Approx Sq Feet: 566 sqft
• Plot Sq Feet: 4,650 sqft
• Property Age Bracket: 1970 - 1990
• Council Tax Band: C

Location

Manningtree and Lawford in north Essex (CO11) offer an idyllic setting for those looking to enjoy retirement in a friendly, well-connected community. Manningtree is famously one of Britain’s smallest towns – the town itself covers just 19 hectares – while nearby Lawford village has grown right up to its borders​. Despite their small size, these neighbouring locales (often collectively referred to as the Manningtree area) are brimming with history, natural beauty, and modern amenities. In fact, Manningtree was named among the “best places to live” in 2019​, celebrated for its gorgeous surroundings and excellent local services – truly, “what a place to retire!”​. Below, we explore the many reasons why Manningtree and Lawford make a great home for retirees. Excellent Transport and Travel Connections One of the key advantages of Manningtree and Lawford is their superb transport links. Manningtree’s railway station (situated in Lawford parish) lies on the main London–Norwich line and provides regular direct services to London Liverpool Street, as well as to Ipswich, Norwich, and the nearby port of Harwich. Trains are frequent, and the journey into London takes only around one hour​ – perfect for day trips to the city or visits from family. The station is also a junction for the scenic Mayflower Line branch to Harwich, putting the Essex coast within easy reach. Road connections are equally convenient. The area is only a few minutes’ drive from the A12, linking directly toward Colchester, Chelmsford and London, and it’s close to both the A14 and A120 routes for easy travel across East Anglia​. In practice, this means you can comfortably drive or take a train to larger towns like Colchester (around 10 miles away) or Ipswich (about 12 miles) for shopping or outings. Local bus services connect Manningtree and Lawford to surrounding villages and towns as well​. All these connections make it simple for relatives to visit and for retirees to stay well-connected with the wider region, enjoying the quiet life without feeling isolated. Convenient Local Amenities and Services - Despite the rural charm, Manningtree and Lawford offer all the essential amenities you might need day-to-day. The town centre in Manningtree has a lovely High Street lined with independent shops, boutiques, and a post office, so you can run errands or browse without traveling far​. There are also convenience stores (Lawford even has a handy local Premier grocery store​) and small supermarkets for your weekly shopping. A twice-weekly market in Manningtree still operates to this day, continuing the market town tradition and providing fresh produce and goods in the town square​. Healthcare is well covered too. The area is served by several GP practices and a local medical centre, ensuring residents have access to primary care close by​. According to local sources, there are “over three” doctors’ surgeries in the immediate vicinity​. Manningtree also has a dental practice and pharmacy for routine health needs​. For more advanced care, the major Colchester Hospital is only a short drive away, offering a full range of medical services and specialists​ – peace of mind for any healthcare concerns. When it comes to leisure and practical services, you won’t be lacking options. Manningtree has its own library, which not only lends books but also hosts community events and seniors’ social gatherings (like weekly coffee mornings and a “Memory Café” for those with dementia and carers)​. For staying active, the Manningtree Sports Centre provides excellent facilities – including a gym, indoor swimming pool, and sports halls​ – ideal for a casual swim or fitness class. A couple of private gyms and exercise studios in the area further cater to those looking to keep fit​. Dining out is a pleasure as well: Manningtree and its environs boast a selection of charming pubs, cafés and restaurants to suit all tastes​. ​ Whether you fancy traditional pub fare or a nice afternoon tea at a café, you’ll find friendly spots like The Red Lion, The Crown, or tea rooms in Mistley to enjoy a meal with friends. Overall, the mix of convenient shopping, health services, and leisure facilities means retirees can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with everything on their doorstep without needing to travel far for essentials​. Beautiful Outdoor Spaces and Nature Galore - A calm view over the River Stour from Mistley Quay, just east of Manningtree. Both Manningtree and Lawford are surrounded by beautiful countryside and waterside scenery, offering plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. The town of Manningtree sits on the banks of the River Stour where it widens into an estuary, providing scenic riverside walks right from the town centre. Strolling along The Walls (the grassy embankment by the river in nearby Mistley) is a favourite local pastime – you can take in panoramic views across the tranquil water towards Suffolk, often in the company of Mistley’s famous friendly swans that gather by the shore. In Manningtree itself, a Riverside Park offers walking paths, open green space and benches to relax on, as well as playgrounds and sports fields for when grandchildren come to visit​. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic or watch the sailboats on a sunny day. Nature lovers will be thrilled to have the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) right on the doorstep. Often called “Constable Country,” this protected landscape – just a couple of miles from Manningtree – is famous for the idyllic meadows, rivers, and village scenes painted by artist John Constable​. From Manningtree at the mouth of the Stour, the Dedham Vale AONB stretches west along the river for about 20 miles, encompassing some of England’s most picturesque countryside​. Within a short distance you can explore Flatford Mill (the charming 18th-century mill immortalized in Constable’s paintings) and Dedham village, with their scenic walking trails and tea rooms. Indeed, a National Trust path links Manningtree to Flatford, making for a delightful hike through fields and riverside woods​. For organized walks, the long-distance Essex Way footpath also passes nearby, and there are many gentle public footpaths crisscrossing the area. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate that the Stour Estuary itself is a haven for birds and nature. Parts of the estuary foreshore are a designated nature reserve, with mudflats and salt marsh that attract wading birds, especially in winter. There are opportunities for birdwatching and photography along the waterfront – you might spot herons, avocets, or even seals farther downstream. The nearby Cattawade Marshes (at the edge of Lawford/Mistley) are managed for wildlife as well, offering a peaceful spot for a quiet walk among reeds and waterways. In short, whether you fancy a riverside amble at sunset or a cycle through rolling countryside, Manningtree and Lawford provide an abundance of outdoor recreation in unspoilt nature. Little wonder the area is described as being set amid “wildlife-rich landscapes” with trails along ancient woodlands and estuary shores for all to enjoy​. Cultural and Recreational Activities - Though peaceful, Manningtree and Lawford have a surprisingly vibrant cultural scene and plenty of activities to keep you engaged. History buffs will find much to explore: Manningtree’s rich heritage dates back to medieval times as a wool port, and the town retains a quaint historic character. The High Street is a conservation area lined with Georgian façades and listed buildings, preserving a classic English small-town charm​. In the town centre you’ll even find a sculpture of an ox – a nod to a reference in Shakespeare’s Henry IV (Falstaff’s “roasted Manningtree ox”) that put this little town in literary lore​! A local Manningtree Museum and heritage group operates exhibits and walking tours, so you can learn fascinating tales such as the story of the 17th-century “Witchfinder General” Matthew Hopkins who once lived here​, or the fact that former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher worked in Manningtree early in her career​. For more formal historical sites, the twin Mistley Towers – elegant 18th-century portico towers from a church designed by Robert Adam – stand as striking landmarks by the river and can be visited (they’re maintained by English Heritage)​. They make a lovely destination for an afternoon walk, combining architecture and a scenic locale. In terms of arts and entertainment, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what’s on offer. Manningtree is home to the Manifest Theatre, a well-regarded amateur theatre group that puts on plays, musicals and live performances throughout the year​. Many retirees enjoy volunteering with or attending shows at this intimate local theatre – it’s a great way to meet people and enjoy live arts without traveling to a big city. The town also has a small gallery space showcasing local artists, and occasional arts festivals and craft fairs take place in the community halls. For bookworms and learners, aside from the library, there is an active University of the Third Age (U3A) group (the Stour Valley U3A) in the area, which organizes lectures, hobby clubs, and outings for seniors who love to keep learning. You’ll find clubs for everything from gardening, walking, and photography to bridge and bowls. In fact, if you’re a sports enthusiast, there are local bowling greens and a cricket club, and the sailing club down on the Stour that hosts an annual regatta event​ – spectators welcome! Golfers can find courses a short drive away on the outskirts of Colchester or Ipswich. Community events are a highlight of life here. The Manningtree and Lawford community hosts various festivals, fairs and seasonal events that bring everyone together​. For instance, each summer there’s the Manningtree Town Street Festival with food stalls and music, and the Manningtree Regatta on the river where decorated boats sail by and families gather on the shore. An unusual local tradition is the annual Mud Race on the estuary mudflats – a messy fun-run for charity that draws crowds and participants of all ages​. Throughout the year you can also enjoy farmers’ markets, a Christmas lights switch-on event, and historical guided walks (the Mistley Thorn Ghost Walk is popular in autumn!). With such a calendar of activities, retirees can stay as active and social as they wish, joining in the festivities or just cheering on from the side-lines. For more everyday recreation, the area’s cosy cafés and pubs double as social hubs where you’ll quickly get to know the owners and other patrons. Whether it’s a morning coffee on Manningtree High Street or a Sunday roast at a pub in Lawford, you’ll feel the welcoming atmosphere. In short, Manningtree and Lawford offer a rich cultural life on a small-town scale – there’s always something interesting to do, see, or learn, without any of the stress or crowds of a city. Friendly Community Spirit and Safe Surroundings - Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Manningtree and Lawford is the strong community spirit and sense of safety that residents enjoy. This is the kind of place where neighbours look out for one another and greetings on the street are common. Many retirees remark on how quickly they felt at home here. The area has a true “close-knit community with a vibrant social scene,” hosting numerous clubs and meet-ups that help newcomers integrate and make friends​. From church coffee mornings to volunteer groups and charity events, there are ample opportunities to get involved or simply enjoy the friendly ambience. Safety is a clear benefit of these small communities. Crime rates in Lawford and Manningtree are significantly lower than regional averages – statistics show around a 59% drop in crime compared to nearby towns​. Residents feel comfortable walking around and often comment that it’s the kind of place you can leave your bike outside the shop without worry​. Serious crime is very rare; at most you’ll hear of the odd vehicle or shed theft, but it’s “quite tame compared to urban centres,” and local police are responsive and part of the community​. This sense of security is especially reassuring for older residents. Additionally, both Manningtree and Lawford have well-lit streets and active Neighbourhood Watch groups. The community’s pride in the area also means public spaces are well-maintained and clean, contributing to a pleasant environment. The community actively fosters inclusivity and support for seniors. As mentioned, the library’s senior events (like the free coffee mornings and Memory Café) are a testament to how the town cares for its older population​. Local churches and charities run luncheon clubs and home visit programs for those who may be less mobile, ensuring no one feels lonely. With community centres like Foundry Court offering therapeutic services and drop-in sessions​, help is always at hand. Moreover, the mix of generations in the area – young families, working professionals, and retirees all living in close proximity – creates a balanced, lively community. Long-time residents often note that “the locals really do cherish and value the town where they live”, working together to see it thrive​. As a newcomer, you’ll be warmly welcomed into this fold. A Community for All Ages (Including the Grandchildren!) - While the focus is on retirement, it’s worth noting that Manningtree and Lawford’s family-friendly amenities can be a bonus for grandparents and visiting grandchildren. The area’s excellent schools have drawn many young families to settle here, adding to the wholesome atmosphere. For example, Highfields Primary School in Lawford is rated Outstanding, and there are other well-regarded primary schools (Lawford C of E Primary and Brooklands Primary both rated Good) in the vicinity​. The local Manningtree High School also enjoys a Good reputation​. This means your grandchildren’s parents can feel confident about local education if they move nearby – and it means you’ll see plenty of youngsters around, keeping the community lively. Many retirees love being part of a town where you can watch the schoolchildren walk home or attend the school fetes; it makes for a heart-warming, multi-generational environment. When grandkids come to visit, there’s plenty to keep them entertained. Besides the aforementioned parks and playgrounds (like the popular Strawberry Avenue Playground in Lawford​), kids adore visiting the riverside to feed the swans or going on nature walks to spot wildlife. The leisure centre pool is great for a fun swim with the little ones, and in summer the nearby seaside at Walton-on-the-Naze or Clacton is just a short trip away for a day at the beach. Local community events often include children’s activities – from face-painting at the town festival to Christmas carol services and craft workshops. And if you’re keen to spend quality time, you can take the grandchildren to Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park (20 minutes by car) or the renowned Colchester Zoo (about 30 minutes drive) for special outings. Knowing that the area is safe and welcoming for all ages will give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy family visits to the fullest.

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